Today, the average waiting time at the border is up to 12 hours, and during the summer period waiting times may be even longer. According to Voldemar Linno, Head of the ETCB’s Customs Control Department, the reason for the long queues is the full customs control of people, vehicles and goods crossing the border and the violations detected in the course of the customs controls. "Every day, attempts are made to cross the border with EU Member States’ banknotes as well as goods subject to sanctions. Since the ETCB can conduct both misdemeanour and criminal proceedings regarding these violations, excuses like accidentally leaving cash in your pocket are no longer sufficient," Linno emphasised.
In the last two months, 340 sanctions violations have been detected at the customs offices of Narva, Koidula and Luhamaa. In two months, the ETCB has prevented 193 000 euros worth of banknotes from being taken to Russia, initiated 213 misdemeanour proceedings and imposed fines in the total amount of 42 000 euros.
The ETCB continues to advise against travelling to Russia. If it is not possible to avoid crossing the border, the ETCB recommends travellers to look into international sanctions before travelling in order to avoid carrying prohibited goods. The list of goods that are prohibited to take to Russia can be found on the website of the ETCB. Further information can also be obtained from Customs Information.
